Chinook Student Center: Innovative Design for Campus Life

Chinook Student Center: A New Hub of Campus Life

The GGLO architectural studio has designed a new student-funded project that will transform the original WSU bookstore known as the “Bookie” into a vibrant new Chinook Student Center. The Center, managed jointly by University Rec and the CUB, will offer a range of unique and innovative programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of students. With indoor and outdoor spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all, the Chinook Student Center promises to become the new hub of campus life.

Innovative Design for a Dynamic Space

The Chinook Student Center boasts a curved wall design that organizes the building into a hierarchy of public, semi-public, and private spaces, catering to the diverse needs of students. The masonry shell of the original building has been thoughtfully organized into spaces for students to focus on their health, recreation, academics, and spiritual well-being. The spaces are organized into public, semi-public, and private areas, with food service, recreation and social space, and a large event space on the upper levels. Moving down, students can access semi-public spaces for collaboration, multi-purpose rooms for hot yoga, wrestling, and Zumba, as well as cardio and weight rooms, meditation rooms, a nap room, and a gender-neutral restroom. Private spaces include gender-neutral and gender-specific locker rooms, support spaces, and saunas. The lowest level provides additional recreation rooms, such as cross-fit, weights, and class space, opening up to an outdoor workout space.

Integrating Interior and Exterior Spaces for Multiple Experiences

The interior and exterior spaces of the Chinook Student Center are well-integrated, allowing for multiple experiences on the various levels. The proposed outdoor pedestrian corridor connects with the proposed upper-level plaza outside the café. Bouldering walls and slackline ties at the upper plaza meet the new north stair, which provides a safe, well-lit circulation and active elements for cross-fit. Special attention has been given to providing a new welcoming entry, increasing natural light, attention to private and public zones, creating an iconic building, integrating sustainability and technology. The Chinook Student Center promises to be a dynamic space that will enhance the academic and social experience of students at WSU.

A Welcoming Space for All

The Chinook Student Center is designed to be a welcoming space for all students, regardless of their physical limitations, culture, gender, or sexual orientation. With indoor and outdoor spaces that cater to a range of interests and needs, the Center promises to become a new hub of activity and social interaction on campus. Managed jointly by University Rec and the CUB, the Chinook Student Center is a testament to the commitment of WSU to provide a dynamic and inclusive campus environment for all students.

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